1100 E. Santa Fe Ave. at Halsey St.
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Uranium Capital of the World
1959
NEW MEXICO
Downtown
Historic
G
R
A
N
T
S
EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
Sonny Sebedra - Manager
G.D. Rasmey Oil Co.
Phone AT 7-4712
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co., white page listing for
East Pueblo Texato Service Station.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
Sonny Sebedra - Manager
G.D. Ramsey Oil Co.
Phone 287-4712
U-HAUL
RENTAL DEALER
1966 Mountain States Tel Tel Co. yellow page listing for
East Pueblo Texaco Service Station.
Grants, New Mexico
1966 Mountain States Tel Tel Co. yellow page listing for
East Pueblo Texaco Service Station.
Grants, New Mexico
1968
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
Sonny Sebedra - Manager
G.D. Ramsey Oil Co.
Phone 287-4712
1968 Mountain States Tel Tel Co. yellow page listing for
East Pueblo Texaco Service Station.
Grants, New Mexico
1968 "This Is Grants" brochure ad for East Pueblo Texaco Service Station.
Grants, New Mexico
1978
1973
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
U-HAUL
RENTAL DEALER
Sonny Sebedra - Manager
G.D. Ramsey Oil Co.
Phone 287-4712
-
1973 "This Is Grants" brochure ad for East Pueblo Texaco Service Station.
Grants, New Mexico
1978
1978
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
U-HAUL
RENTAL DEALER
Sonny Sebedra - Manager
G.D. Ramsey Oil Co.
Phone 287-4712
1978 Mountain Bell Tel Co. White page listing for East Pueblo Texaco Service
Station.
Grants, New Mexico
1978 Mountain Bell Tel Co. white page listing for U-Haul Rental Dealer.
Grants, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
_edited.png)
1882
1982
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2006
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
U-HAUL
RENTAL DEALER
"OLD" EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
-
Phone -
RENTALS
December 2007 street view of
the Old East Pueblo Station, now U-Haul Rentals.
Grants, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1882
1982
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2008
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
U-HAUL
RENTAL DEALER
"OLD" EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
-
Phone -
RENTALS
July 2008 street view of the
Old East Pueblo Station.
Grants, New Mexico
The Southwest Motel sign at night
Photo by Tom
December 2008 street view of
the Old East Pueblo Station.
Grants, New Mexico
The Southwest Motel sign at night
Photo by Tom
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1101 E. Santa Fe Ave.
at Halsey St.
CAPS TITLE
Uranium Capital of the World
1959
NEW MEXICO
Downtown
Historic
G
R
A
N
T
S
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Auro Cattaneo 1913-1975
Nellie Cattaneo 1917-2002
Auro Cattaneo was born in Valnegra, Bergamo, Lambardia, Italy to Angel and Marietta Cattaneo in 1913 and immigrated to the U.S. in 1921 according to the 1930 census
where they settled in Gallup,
New Mexico.
In 1937, Auro Cattaneo was
contracted by R. E. Griffith to do
some stone and brickwork at
The Hotel El Rancho in Gallup,
New Mexico.
At the same time, his future
wife Nellie was working at
Griffith's Chief Theatre nearby.
Post card Front, Hotel El Rancho ca.1930, Gallup, New Mexico
Hotel El Rancho ca. 2020, Gallup, New Mexico
On September 20, 1985, the
Historic El Rancho Hotel is
added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties.
Two years later on November
30, 1987, the Historic El Rancho
Hotel was registered in the
U.S. Register of Historic Places.
Two months later the El Rancho
hotel was officially added to the
U.S. Register of Historic Places.
In 1940 Auro Cattaneo was
contracted by Father Gerard Geier of
Saint Teresa Catholic church for
the construction of a community
center built entirely out of stone
on land donated by Carroll
Gunderson of the Bond-
Gunderson Co.
Auro being known for his
masonry work, helped Father
Gerard to locate the perfect
stone for the construction of the
center, the stone was found in
the Zuni Mountains located 5 miles SW of
Grants.
Saint Teresa's Community Centers second floor -1950. Photo by Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Grants, New Mexico
The construction of the
Community Center, close to
completion would continue into
1951.
In 2022, the Saint Teresa
Community Center was listed
on the U.S. Register of Historic
Places.
Saint Teresa's Community Centers second floor -1950. Photo by Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Grants, New Mexico
In 1941, Auro Cattaneo would be
called upon once again by R. E. Griffith,
owner of the Hotel El-Rancho in Gallup.
Griffith thought about opening a
location in Deming, New Mexico, but saw
an opportunity in Las Vegas while
on the way to pick up materials in
California.
Griffith purchased property one
mile north of the New El Rancho
Hotel. Included in the offer was
Las Vegas first nightclub on
Highway 91, the former Pair 'O
Dice Casino & Dance Club, owned by Frank
Detra (1931-1939), Club 91, Guy MacAfee
(1939-1941) and was renamed Leo Carrillo
Bar.
Pair 'O Dice Casino and Dance Club, Las Vegas, Nevada 1931
It was then incorporated into the
new hotel built by Griffith in Las
Vegas and was designed by his
nephew William J. Moore.
William worked alongside
with Auro and other Masons
form New Mexico on what would
become the Hotel Last Frontier
which opened October 30, 1945
The hotel became the second
hotel and casino located on the
Las Vegas Strip. The hotel went
through several owners and
renamed the last as the New
Frontier, Phil Ruffin (1998-2007)
and was demolished in 2007.
New Frontier Casino and Resort, Las Vegas Nevada 2004
Arieal View of the Hotel Last Frontier, Las Vegas, Nevada 1942
Hotel Last Frontier, Las Vegas, Nevada 1966
During 1942, Auro married
his wife Nellie in Houck, Arizona.
-
In late 1946 Auro Cattaneo's
masonry took him back out of
state to do the brick and
stonework for the Thunderbird
Hotel built by Cliff Jones
and Marion Hicks (owner, El
Cortez) opened on September 2,
1948, located in Winchester,
Nevada.
The Thunderbird Hotel (1948-
1977) was the fourth hotel and
casino built on the Las Vegas
Strip.
The hotel over the years has
gone through many name
changes, the last as El Rancho
Hotel & Casino (1982-1992).
The Hotel was demolished
in 2000. The property today is
now home to the Fontainebleau
Las Vegas due to open 2023.
Arieal View of the Hotel Last Frontier, Las Vegas, Nevada 1942
Post card Front, Thunderbird Hotel & Casino, Winchester, Nevada circa 1970.
El Rancho Hotel & Casino, Winchester, Nevada 1982
El Rancho Hotel & Casino, Winchester, Nevada 1982
In 1949, Auro would be busy while
working on the Community
Center, he was also in the
process of building a new motel
located six blocks east.
The new motel soon to be
known as the Franciscan Lodge
was designed and built by Auro,
to be located at 1101 E. Santa Fe
Avenue on U.S. Route 66 in
Grants, New Mexico.
The Franciscan Lodge
opened in September 1950.
Photo zoom from the 1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for the Franciscan Lodge. Courtesy Patricia McClure
In 1955 Auro Cattaneo began
construction on a new motel to be
located 8 miles west of Grants at
Bluewater, New Mexico on U.S.
Highway 66, across from the
Anaconda Miners Housing
Community.
The motel goes on to have 22
new ultra-modern units, phones
and TV, Pool, Room and Patio
Service, Playground, and a
Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge.
The motel was named Auro's Bluewater Inn Resort Lodge opened in 1956.
In 1957, the sign blade built by Zeon Signs from Albuquerque, New Mexico was installed in the east side of the property by the pool,
renamed the Bluewater Motel and Bluewater Inn & Cocktail Lounge was a member of Best Western Motels. Everett and Etta King of the Franciscan Lodge in Grants become owners of the motel.
Photos from the 1958 "This is Grants" brochure of the Bluewater Motel & Bluewater Inn. Bluewater, New Mexico.
Courtesy Patricia McClure
Sometime from 1956-1958 Auro
Cattaneo was building a new motel.
This 34- ultra modern room motel
was Gallup's largest motor hotel
along U.S. Highway 66.
May 1958 the new motel Desert
Skies Motor Hotel owned and
operated by Auro & Nellie opens
with these amenities:
34 Large Units...Refrigerated Air
Conditioned. Hot Water Heat,
Thermostat controlled,
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Fully Tiled
Baths, 21-inch TVs, Hi-Fi, Heated
Pool, Telephones. Courtesy Coffee.
American Express, Hilton Carte
Blanche Accepted. AAA Approved.
Through the years the pool with
all the brickwork and playground
have been removed and parking
enlarged.
Desert Skies Motor Hotel Circa 1960
Desert Skies Motel 2023
A major restoration project took
Gallup Stonemason and contractor
Auro Cattaneo to supervise in Zuni,
New Mexico at Saint Anthony's
Mission in 1968, was built in 1922
and opened Work to the mission
was completed in 1970 and was
formally rededicated on May 29,
1972.
Saint Anthony's Mission School first enrollment 1923
Interior view, Saint Anthony's Mission circa 2020
Saint Anthony's Mission, Zuni, New Mexico 2023
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Phone 010-R-3
Auro & Nellie Cattaneo - Owner
Etta King - Manager
-
Designed by: Auro Cattaneo
-
Building Style: Single story brick and frame with a hipped front, stucco and flat roof.
-
Built: 1949 - 1950
-
Opened: September 1950
-
Units:
-
Rooms: 24
-
Pool: None
-
Courtyard: 2
-
Playground: None
-
Closed: 2019
-
Demolished: 2022-2023
-
Years in Service: 73
Auro Cattaneo and wife Nellie
owners of the newly built Franciscan
Lodge opened in September 1950 with
Etta King as its first official manager.
Auro designed the Franciscan Lodge
as a double L-plan motel with a hipped
front over the office, a brick and stone
top porch entry, brick accents on
lower portion of the exterior walls,
southwestern-style exterior window accents. 32 rooms furnished with the finest in furniture, eight 2-car
heated garages, managers' living quarters with
kitchen, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance room. On each side of the motel are two courtyards.
-
The Franciscan Lodge had two
distinct types of neon signage built
by Zeon Signs of Albuquerque, New
Mexico. The office sign was erected
sometime in 1958, which is a
roof-top mounted sign blade, and is
supported by guy wires, is 9ft wide
and 9ft high, and incorporates a
forest green background with white
painted letter using the classic flat letter style for the lettering with neon tubing for the words that reads "Franciscan" (top) with green neon in cursive at the top of the sign blade followed by "LODGE" (middle) with violet neon in uppercase letters, "NO VACANCY" (bottom) with red neon uppercase letters, and green neon curved under the "NO
VACANCY" letters at the edge of the sign blade on the street side, with "OFFICE" located under with red neon in uppercase letters.
Attached to the streetside of the
sign blade is the oval AAA sign with
a blue painted background with
light blue neon outline, "AAA" with
red neon in uppercase letters, and
"APPROVED" with white neon in
uppercase letters.
The second sign, which is mounted
to four poles located on the top
center of the roof is a 39 ft wide by 30
ft high sign blade shaped like a wood plank with jagged edges on both ends, painted in a wood-grain pattern, also incorporating the classic flat letter style with neon tubing for the lettering, reads "FRANCISCAN LODGE" and fills the length of the sign.
On top is a smaller section that reads "YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD" and on the bottom is another small section that reads "HEATED GARAGES" all containing white lettering, as for the colors of the neon are
undetermined at this time.
-
1950 Post Card for the Franciscan
Lodge.
Grants, New Mexico.
-
Post card front, 1950
Franciscan Lodge "None Finer on 66"
Post card back,1950 Post mark (None)
Everette King 1902-1964
Etta King 1903-1983
Kenneth King 1938-2011
Everett King was born in Mena,
Polk County, Arkansas, to William &
Roberta King in 1902, is the second
oldest of four siblings. In 1922 Everett
would marry Etta O Wheat, born in
Mena, Polk County, Arkansas, to
William David Wheat & Demarious
Bell Phillips in 1903.
In 1930, Everett and Etta moved to Dallas, Texas, where Everett would run King Furniture & Auction House, owned by Custer King. In 1938, they would become parents to Kenneth King, born in Dallas,
Texas. The Kings continued to live in Texas until 1950.
In 1950, Everett & Etta moved from Dallas, Texas, to Grants, New Mexico became the first manager of the Franciscan Lodge in 1950 during the motel's opening. However, during this time, her husband Everett would continue to run the King Furniture & Auction House in Dallas, Texas, and 11-year-old son Kenneth King would continue school.
-
Uranium Capital of the World
1950
NEW MEXICO
Downtown
Historic
G
R
A
N
T
S
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King - Owner
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone 010-R-3
-
Designed by: Auro Cattaneo
-
Building Style: Single story brick and frame with a hipped front, stucco and flat roof.
-
Built: 1949 - 1950
-
Opened: September 1950
-
Units:
-
Rooms: 24
-
Pool: None
-
Courtyard: 2
-
Playground: None
-
Closed: 2019
-
Demolished: 2022-2023
-
Years in Service: 73
The Franciscan Lodge built and
designed by Auro Cattaneo located
in Grants, New Mexico on U.S. Highway
66 was purchased by Everett and wife
Etta King sometime around 1952.
Post card front, Franciscan Lodge 1952
"None Finer on 66"
Post Card Back, Post Mark: October 1952 - Las Vegas, NV
Franciscan Lodge 1952, "None Finer on 66"
1956
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.
white page listing for Franciscan
Lodge. Grants, New Mexico
1956 Post Card for the Franciscan
Lodge & Cafe. Grants, New Mexico.
In 1956, the Franciscan Lodge
office sign blade gets an addition to
the top to advertise the Franciscan
Cafe. The top addition to the sign
reads "CAFE" in a light blue color for
the lettering.
Post Card Back, Post Mark: None
Franciscan Lodge 1956, "None Finer on 66"
1958
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
In 1958, the King's son, Kenneth
graduated from St. Mark's School of
Texas. After graduation, he went on
to serve in the Air National Guard.
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge & Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
1960
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Sometime during the Early to
mid-1960s, the Kings purchased the
Grants TraveLodge located at 1204
E. Santa Fe Avenue (U.S. Highway
66) Grants, New Mexico.
1964
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
In December 1964 Everett King
owner of the Franciscan Lodge #1
Grants & #2 Milan, Bluewater Motel
Grants TraveLodge, D & G Motel
passes away.
Everett would be buried in
Dallas, Texas. After the passing of
Everett, their son Kenneth King
owner of Grants Music Co., would help with the operations of the Franciscan Lodge with his mother Etta King.
1958
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
In 1958, the King's son, Kenneth
graduated from St. Mark's School of
Texas. After graduation, he went on
to serve in the Air National Guard.
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge & Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
1966
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Everette & Etta King
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
1966 Mountain Bell Telephone Co.
white page listing for Franciscan Lodges #1 and #2. Grants & Milan,
New Mexcio.
1978
1970
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Etta & Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Sometime about 1970-1976 Vernon
& Pauline Pennington would
become managers of Franciscan Lodges #1 and #2 as well as the Bluewater Inn. While Etta would run the Bluewater Motel.
1978
1971
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Etta & Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Star Glass Ashtray from Franciscan Lodge, Cafe and Cocktail Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico.
1971 Yellow page Motels listing from the Mountain Bell Tel Co. Gallup and Grants Directory for Franciscan Lodges - #1 Grants, #2 Milan and Bluewater Motel.
1971 Yellow page ad from the Mountain Bell Tel Co. Gallup and Grants Directory for Franciscan Lodges - #1 Grants, #2 Milan and Bluewater Motel.
1971 Yellow page Motels listing from the Mountain Bell Tel Co. Gallup and Grants Directory for Franciscan Lodges - #1 Grants, #2 Milan and Bluewater Motel.
1978
1976
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Etta & Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
1976 Yellow page motel listings from the Mountain Bell Tel Co. Gallup and Grants Directory for Franciscan Lodges.
1976 Yellow page ad from the Mountain Bell Tel Co. Gallup and Grants Directory for Franciscan Lodges - and Bluewater Motel.
1978
1978
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Etta & Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
1978 Mountain Bell Telephone Co.
white page listing for Franciscan
Lodges.
Grants and Milan, New Mexico.
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Etta & Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Sometime during the 1980s, the
Franciscan Lodge's roof gets an
Upgrade to a gabled roof. During
the construction of the roof, the
Franciscan Lodge building sign
blade was removed temporarily
till completion.
The long sign was also removed and was placed on three poles located in the east courtyard of the motel, after the pitched roof was added, according to Rhetta Mike King owner of the Franciscan Lodge.
1980
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Uranium Capital of the World
1982
1882
Lava Rocks - El Malpais National Monument
Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Etta & Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Etta King owner of the Franciscan
Lodges, Grants TraveLodge, D & G
Motel and Bluewater Motel passes
away.
1983
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Uranium Capital of the World
1982
1882
Lava Rocks - El Malpais National Monument
Cibola County, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2000
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Evening photo of the Franciscan
Lodge.
Grants, New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2003
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
In 2003, Photographer John
Margolies took a couple of photos of
both the front of the Franciscan
Lodge office with the building sign
blade and the long blade sign
located in the east courtyard.
The photos are part of a
segment called Roadside America,
and is stored in the Library of
Congress archives.
Night photo of the Franciscan Lodge
Building sign blade
Franciscan Lodge Front office blade sign.
Photo Courtesy, Roadside Peek ©2003|Neon
Motels New Mexico
Photo of the Franciscan Lodge
Building sign blade.
Grants, New Mexico
Franciscan Lodge Front office blade sign.
Photo Courtesy, Roadside Peek ©2003|Neon
Motels New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2006
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Evening photo of the Franciscan
Lodge.
Grants, New Mexico
Franciscan Lodge Front office blade sign.
Photo Courtesy, Roadside Peek ©2006
Route 66 New Mexico
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2006
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Day photos of both the long blade
sign and front office and building signs.
Lodge.
Grants, New Mexico
Franciscan Lodge Front office blade sign.
Photo Courtesy, Roadside Peek ©2006
Route 66 New Mexico
Franciscan Lodge long blade sign.
Photo by, LaJean Greeson ©2008
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A7tw4xF78/
Franciscan Lodge front office blade sign.
Photo by, LaJean Greeson ©2008
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A7tw4xF78/
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2009
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Kenneth King
Vernon & Pauline Pennington - Manager
Phone AT 7-4424
Photo of the Franciscan Lodge front
office with both office blade sign
and long blade sign in the east
courtyard. The photo was taken
from Blake's Lotaburger on the
south side of Santa Fe Avenue
(East Route 66), Grants, New
Mexico.
Franciscan Lodge street.
Photo by, urbex.50megs.com ©4/2009
Route 66 - April 2009 - New Mexico
2008 photo of the Franciscan Lodge
front office and blade sign.
Franciscan Lodge front office blade sign.
Photo by, Vintage Roadside ©8/19/2008
Franciscan Lodge - Route 66. Grants,New Mexico | Love the a… | Flickr
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2018
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Michael King
- Manager
Phone 287-4424
2018 photos of the Franciscan Lodge street view of the front office and room interior. In one of the room photos you can see one of the panel ray heater mentioned in the 1950s post card.
Franciscan Lodge street.
Photo by, urbex.50megs.com ©4/2009
Route 66 - April 2009 - New Mexico
2018 photo of the Franciscan Lodge
front office blade sign missing it's
neon and iridescent bulbs.
The blade sign was placed in the
west wing of motel and sits in front of the Franciscan Lod No. 2 that was located in Milan, New Mexico, which is currently the Crossroads Motel.
Franciscan Lodge front office blade sign.
Photo by, Dan Scott 8/2018
Franciscan Lodge - Google Maps
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2020
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Michael King
- Manager
Phone 287-4424
FIRE AT THE FRANCISCAN LODGE
On January 22, 2020, 4:02 P.M., Grants Fire and Rescue responded to a fire reported at the now closed Franciscan Lodge. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was
coming from both sides of the main building.
Able to make entry the firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. A special thanks goes out to all the departments that responded.
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1872
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2022
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN LODGE
YOUR HOME ON THE ROAD
Michael King
- Manager
Phone 287-4424
On May 7, 2022, the Franciscan Lodge long-blade sign was removed from the east courtyard.
Demolition of the Historic Franciscan Lodge
In October and into November, demolition started at the Historic Franciscan Lodge located at 1101 E. Santa Fe Avenue (Historic U.S. 66).
Built in 1950 by Auro Cattaneo and later owned by the King Family has served travelers on Route 66 for 69 years till the motel closed in 2019.
Franciscan Lodge Demolition Ariel fly by.
Photos by, Matt Fletcher ©Fletcher Aero Technologies 11/28/2022
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19d4e6Jnqp/
1104 E. Santa Fe Ave.
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1966
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
PAULSON'S SINCLAIR SERVICE STATION
PAULSON'S CONSTRUCTION
PAULSON'S SEWING MACHINE REPAIR
Merritt L. Paulson - Owner
Phone 287-3490
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listing for Paulson's
Sinclair Service Station, Paulson's
Sewing Machine Repair and
Paulson's Construction.
Grants, New Mexico.
Post Card Back, Post Mark: October 1952 - Las Vegas, NV
Franciscan Lodge 1952, "None Finer on 66"
1968
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
PAULSON'S SINCLAIR SERVICE STATION
PAULSON'S CONSTRUCTION
PAULSON'S SEWING MACHINE REPAIR
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO.
Merritt L. Paulson - Owner
Phone 287-3490
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Paulson's
Sinclair Service Station, Paulson's
Sewing Machine Repair, Paulson's
Construction and Western Union
Telegraph Co.
Grants, New Mexico.
_edited.jpg)
Post Card Back, Post Mark: October 1952 - Las Vegas, NV
Franciscan Lodge 1952, "None Finer on 66"
1978
1978
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
PAULSON'S CONSTRUCTION
PAULSON'S SEWING MACHINE REPAIR
Merritt L. Paulson - Owner
Phone 287-3490
1978 Mountain Bell Telephone Co.,
white page listings for Paulson's
Sewing Machine Repair, Paulson's
Construction.
Grants, New Mexico.
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1109 E. Santa Fe Ave.
1956
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 7-4424
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel
Co., white page listing for
Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico
1958
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 7-4424
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge, Cafe, Bar &
Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
1966
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-3448
Phone 287-9932
1968 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Cafe, with both old and new number.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Cafe, with both old and new number.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1968
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-3448
Phone 287-9932
1968 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Cafe, with both old and new number.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Cafe, with both old and new number.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1969
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-3448
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1978
1971
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-3448
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1978
1975
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-3448
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1978
1976
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 7-4424
Phone 287-3448
1976 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1978
1978
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN CAFE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-8208
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Gateway to the Lavaland
1982
1882
1978
1998
East U.S. Route 66 (Santa Fe Avenue)
Dwayne Taylor
Owner
Phone 287-5507
-
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2018
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
Dwayne Taylor
Owner
Phone 287-8208
BEER & WINE
GAME ROOM
-
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
1982
1882
Gateway to the Lavaland
1978
2023
Mt. Taylor - San Mateo Mountain Range
Cibola National Forest - Cibola County, New Mexico
Dwayne Taylor
Owner
Phone 287-8208
BEER & WINE GAME ROOM
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
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1111 E. Santa Fe Ave.
1956
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel
Co., white page listing for
Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico
FRANCISCAN
BAR & LOUNGE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 7-4424
1958
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
FRANCISCAN
BAR & LOUNGE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 7-4424
Post Card Front, Grants Motel 1970
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge, Cafe, Bar &
Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
1966
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
1968 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Cafe, with both old and new number.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Bar & Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico.
FRANCISCAN
BAR & LOUNGE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone 287-9944
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Bar & Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico.
1968
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
1968 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Cafe, with both old and new number.
Grants, New Mexico.
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
Yellow Page listings for Franciscan Bar & Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico.
FRANCISCAN
BAR & LOUNGE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 287-9944
1966 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
1978
1978
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
C
A
F
E
BAR & LOUNGE
1956 Mountain States Tel & Tel Co.,
white page listings for Franciscan Cafe.
Grants, New Mexico.
FRANCISCAN
BAR & LOUNGE
Gus & Sia Hanges
Owner
Phone AT 287-9944
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1121 E. Santa Fe Ave.
1956
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
-
Designed by: Brown & Starnes
-
Building Style: Single story Court style U-shape brick and frame with gabled roof.
-
Pool: No
-
Playground: Yes
-
Patio/Courtyard: Yes
-
Built: 1955-1956
-
Opened: 1956
-
Units: 28
-
Rooms: 40
-
Closed: ca. 2012-2013
-
Demolished: N/A
-
Years in Service: 56
The Franciscan Lodge built and
designed by Auro Cattaneo located
in Grants, New Mexico on U.S. Highway
66 was purchased by Everett and wife
Etta King sometime around 1952.
Ken Brown & E.H. Starnes - Operators
- Manager
Phone AT 7-4471
1958
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Ken Brown & E.H. Starnes - Operators
- Manager
Phone AT 7-4471
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge, Cafe, Bar &
Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
1978
1975
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Ken Brown & E.H. Starnes - Operators
- Manager
Phone AT 7-4471
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge, Cafe, Bar &
Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
1978
1976
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
La Ventana Natural Arch - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
Ken Brown & E.H. Starnes - Operators
- Manager
Phone AT 7-4471
1958 "This is Grants" brochure ad for
Franciscan Lodge, Cafe, Bar &
Lounge.
Grants, New Mexico
1958 "This is Grants" Brochure Issue 1, Vol. 1.
Courtesy: Patricia McClure
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1110 E. Santa Fe Ave.
1952
Uranium Capital of the World
GRANTS, NEW MEXICO
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument Cibola County, New Mexico
EAST PUEBLO
SERVICE STATION
Everette & Etta King - Owner
R. B. "Bud" Litznburger - Manager
Phone 010-R-3
-
Designed by: Auro Cattaneo
-
Building Style: Single story brick and frame with a hipped front, stucco and flat roof.
-
Built: 1949 - 1950
-
Opened: September 1950
-
Units:
-
Rooms: 24
-
Pool: None
-
Courtyard: 2
-
Playground: None
-
Closed: 2019
-
Demolished: 2022-2023
-
Years in Service: 73
The Franciscan Lodge built and
designed by Auro Cattaneo located
in Grants, New Mexico on U.S. Highway
66 was purchased by Everett and wife
Etta King sometime around 1952.
Post card front, Franciscan Lodge 1952
"None Finer on 66"
Post Card Back, Post Mark: October 1952 - Las Vegas, NV
Franciscan Lodge 1952, "None Finer on 66"
This Is Grants/Milan New Mexico